Dhaka: Turkish businesspeople, investors and industrialists have expressed keen interest in expanding their business and investment relations with countries in the East, including Bangladesh.

The businessmen who are now in business with Bangladesh have, however, requested to further improve the banking, customs and taxation systems in Bangladesh.

They have also urged to look into the issues of simplifying the process for registration of any new company, work permit and visa procedures.

The Turkish businesspeople came up with the issues during weeklong seminars on 'Trade and Investment Opportunities in Bangladesh' in Istanbul, Turkey that ended on Thursday, according to Bangladesh Embassy in Ankara.

The event in Istanbul was held with the most prestigious and influential business and investment platform in Turkey-the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen Association (MUSIAD).

The other events of the current weeklong programmes were held in other major cities of Turkey namely, Ankara, Kayseri, Bursa and Kocaeli on April 27, 28, May 2 and 3 respectively.

The seminars were attended by as many as 150 Turkish businessmen, industrialists and investors, who are well known to their respective circles.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey M Allama Siddiki highlighted the genesis of Bangladesh under the visionary leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the country's phenomenal socio-economic growth.

Considering the deep-rooted historical and cultural bondage between Bangladesh and Turkey, he stressed the need for further strengthening the business and economic ties between the two friendly countries.

Underlining the geo-political and geo-economic significance of Bangladesh, the Consul General of Bangladesh in Istanbul Mohammed Monirul Islam urged the Turkish investors to explore Bangladesh for investment.

The representatives from Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) made extensive presentations on the business opportunities and investment climate of Bangladesh in the seminars.

The participating Turkish businessmen, investors and industrialists shared their perspectives and insights on the current situation of Turkish business relations with Europe and the neighbourhood.